About me

A happy little Neutrophil




I have done extensive work in the identification of parasitic organisms such as the different species that cause malaria as well well as enteric protozoans like Giardia. I I have been trained in identifying medically significant macro-parasites like ticks, bed bugs, lice and even the nasty Bott fly!


Herpes simplex virus 2 from a A549 cell culture

Mold stained with lactophenyl cotton blue stain

Histoplasma (a dimorphic fungus which can be a mold and a yeast depending on climate conditions)

Profession:

Medical Laboratory scientist at Northwestern medicine's Palos Hospital.

I work in the microbiology laboratory.

What this entails is taking the goop collected by nurses and physicians and putting in and on substances that help bacteria, mycobacteria (such as TB), and fungi grow. Then, using the help of biochemical tests and instrumentation, I identify those organisms, determine if they are pathogenic, and perform testing to see if those pathogens are susceptible to specific antibiotics or antifungals. I then report those results to the physician to have them adjust treatment for an infection.


Giardia trophozoite above, a malaria schizont in the middle, and a bot fly larva below





I was the senior technologist of the virology laboratory at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I performed viral culture and fluorescent staining of cell cultures and direct smears. I oversaw the quality control of those cultures as well as the PCR testing for viruses such as HSV (herpes) and VZV (chickenpox/shingles).




Outside of work:

I enjoy going on hikes with my family, going for bike rides, and exploring on trips. I love the tropical weather and always enjoy going on the water and just being outside in general. I am big into camping and just recently got an A-liner camper to take camping just a little nicer for an aging body. My dream is to do a backpacking trip and truly sleep under the stars. Inside, on the rainy or cold days, I enjoy playing video games, catching up on classic movies, or trying to learn something new (such as making this website).